Fire authorities in Queensland have issued a strong reminder about the dangers of illegal campfires after a social media influencer was fined for lighting an unauthorised fire while visiting K’gari - a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its sensitive environment and strict safety regulations.
The visitor filmed herself creating a campfire during a recent trip to the island and later shared the footage online. The post quickly drew public attention, prompting reports to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS). Rangers identified that the fire had been lit outside designated fire areas - a clear breach of park rules designed to prevent bushfires.
Under local regulations, fires on K’gari are only permitted in approved fire rings and only when conditions allow. Open fires dug directly into sand or soil are banned due to the high risk of embers spreading into surrounding vegetation.
Authorities issued the visitor an $834 AUD fine for breaching fire safety rules. She also received a formal warning regarding the use of recording equipment in a restricted area.
Queensland ranger teams say the incident could have had far more serious consequences. Even small flames can escalate rapidly in the island’s dry, windswept conditions, threatening wildlife, cultural sites, and visitors.
K’gari has learned this lesson the hard way. In 2020, a bushfire linked to an improperly extinguished campfire burned through tens of thousands of hectares, requiring a large-scale emergency response. Officials emphasise that similar incidents are entirely preventable when rules are followed.
“Unauthorised fires are one of the most significant risks to the island,” a QPWS senior ranger said. “What starts as a small flame can quickly endanger both people and the natural environment.”
The incident has also reignited conversation about how social media content can shape visitor behaviour. Authorities are urging travellers not to rely on influencer videos as a source of safety guidance, and instead to check official information before visiting protected areas.
Content creators, they add, have a responsibility to model safe behaviour - especially when sharing posts from national parks and conservation sites.
K’gari’s popularity continues to grow, but so does the importance of responsible tourism. Rangers are asking all visitors to:
With the right precautions, the island can remain a safe place for travellers while protecting its unique landscapes and cultural significance.
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